@hoefor_bangtan@ffe2ff I found what Ocean Vuong says about metaphors helpful to understand why it doesn’t work here. There may be a logical connector between perfume and lies (the way a perfume can be used to cover a bad smell) but the sensory connection between a lie and perfume doesn’t make sense
Heard there was discussion about The Poet Empress and its historical accuracy on here so I reactivated my account to clarify a few things. (long thread)
@sirficsalot Sorry for the long response, but it was so interesting to hear Qjj brought up in comparison! Maybe I was drawn to TPE because I loved Qjj, it’s making me want to reread Qjj again lol
Absolutely love QJJ but have to disagree with the comparison. They’re completely different stories, with TPE being more about sexism, classism, trauma, empathy, and a meta reflection on writing and storytelling.
Honestly I think my love of Ballad of Sword and Wine (QJJ) ruined this book for me. Please read QJJ if you want a “protagonist that rises from nothing” story with some INSANE court politics and military strategy… (also it’s gay but like that’s a plus for me…)
@sirficsalot of this conflict is mediated through the romance because SZC and XCY must understand each other to grow. It’s also a lot more focused on the politics and military action.
@sirficsalot On the other hand, I wouldn’t call The Poet Empress a romance at all, in fact I want Terren dead for 95% of the book lol. It’s feels like more of a study on trauma, empathy and abusive relationships, with a more meta focus on writing as well.